On politics in the Golden State

Redistricting commission to hold Southern California hearings

The Citizens Redistricting Commission, the independent panel charged with drawing new congressional and legislative districts, will meet several times in Southern California in coming days.

The meetings will allow residents to provide input about their communities, information that will be used along with new census data as the commission draws political boundaries for the state's 53 members of Congress, 40 state senators and 80 Assembly members.

“Speaking up about your community is critical to ensuring district lines are drawn to keep your community whole and grouped with nearby communities with similar interests,” according to a news release from the commission. “This ensures that your voice is heard by your elected leaders in such decisions as to the quality of your child's school or how high your taxes are.”

The commission was created by voters, who took the power to redraw congressional and legislative districts away from state lawmakers and handed it to the new 14-member body.

Public hearings will be held on April 27 in Long Beach, April 28 in Los Angeles, April 29 in San Gabriel, April 30 in San Fernando, May 1 in Lancaster, May 5 in Norco and May 6 in Santa Ana. Additional information can be found at the commission’s website.

A draft set of maps is expected to be released by June 10, and the commission will hold additional public meetings before approving final maps by Aug. 15.